Punjab Congress leader and former minister Rana Gurjit Singh on Thursday asserted that no one is above the party high command, seeking to downplay factional tensions within the state unit. His remarks come amid speculation about a rift between groups loyal to former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and those backing other leaders.
Rana Gurjit's statement on party unity
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Rana Gurjit said, "In the Congress party, the high command's decision is final. No individual, regardless of their position, is above the party's collective leadership." He added that all leaders are united under the guidance of the high command and working for the party's strength in Punjab.
When asked about the factional buzz, especially after Channi skipped a key meeting, Rana Gurjit avoided direct answers. He did not confirm whether he, Channi, or other leaders considered close to the former chief minister would meet All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer Bhupesh Baghel, who was assigned to oversee Punjab affairs.
Baghel's role and factional dynamics
Bhupesh Baghel, the former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, was appointed as the AICC observer for Punjab in June 2026 to address internal discord. Baghel has been holding consultations with various leaders to ensure unity ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. However, Channi's absence from a recent meeting called by Baghel fueled speculation of a deepening rift.
Rana Gurjit, considered a Channi loyalist, sought to project that "all is well" in the Punjab Congress. He stated, "The party is united, and we are all working together. There is no factionalism." Yet, he did not provide a timeline for when the Channi faction would meet Baghel.
Background of tensions
The Punjab Congress has been grappling with internal strife since the 2022 assembly elections, where the party lost power to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The defeat triggered blame games, with Channi and former state party chief Navjot Singh Sidhu trading accusations. The factional divide has persisted, with leaders often taking potshots at each other.
In recent weeks, Baghel has held multiple meetings with district-level leaders and MLAs to bridge gaps. However, Channi's camp has been vocal about their grievances, including demands for a more inclusive decision-making process. Rana Gurjit's statement appears to be an attempt to calm nerves, but the lack of specifics on a meeting with Baghel leaves room for continued speculation.
Impact on party prospects
Political analysts note that the Congress's internal conflicts could hurt its chances in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has been consolidating its position, while the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are also gearing up.
Rana Gurjit's assertion of loyalty to the high command may temporarily ease concerns, but the party needs concrete steps to resolve differences. Baghel's observer role is crucial, but his success depends on getting all factions on the same page. As of now, the Punjab Congress remains a house divided, with Rana Gurjit's words offering little beyond rhetoric.
